With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, George P. Latchford Jr., who died peacefully in his sleep on April 5, 2025, in his hometown of Northport, New York. He was 67 years old.

Born in Northport on July 16, 1957, George—affectionately known to many as “Latch”—lived a life full of passion, adventure, and love. He served his community with pride as a LIRR/MTA Police Officer and then as a Court Security Officer for the U.S. Marshals Service in the Southern District of NY, and lived with the spirit of a true woodsman, explorer, and adventurer. He had a deep love for horseback riding and the game of polo, and spent many cherished hours at the local sportsman’s club fishing and skeet shooting—always happiest when sharing those passions with the people he loved. Whether sailing the coast, working with his hands in the woodshop, diving below the sea, or tinkering with hot rods and motorcycles, George approached every endeavor with curiosity and joy.

George’s greatest role, however, was that of father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving children: Bryan Latchford, Dylan Latchford, and Christine Orfei; his daughter-in-law Kerri Latchford and son-in-law Gunner Orfei; and his treasured grandchildren: Teagan, Jack, Cormac, Rowan, and Winnie. He also leaves behind his devoted mother Gayle Latchford; his siblings Lori and Todd Latchford; his nieces and nephews Caitlin, Rachel, Josh, and Todd Jr.; and countless friends and extended family who were drawn to his humor, kindness, and adventurous spirit.

George was predeceased by his father, George P. Latchford Sr., and many dear friends with whom he shared a lifetime of stories, laughs, and love.

No one loved life more than George. He believed in living each day to the fullest and always making time for the people he loved. He was “the peacemaker,” the life of the party, a true friend to all, and a devoted caretaker to his mom. He had an uncanny ability to reconnect with old friends, make new ones instantly, and bring people together with his warmth, music, and legendary sense of humor. He especially cherished his Wing Club crew, who brought laughter and support into his life until the very end.

In keeping with George’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 31st in Northport, NY—a party to honor the way he lived: full of joy, dancing, music, and love. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

George often signed off his many adventure stories with the phrase: “Stay Vertical!” So that’s how we’ll carry forward—standing tall with the lessons he taught us, seeing him in our homes, in our children’s faces, in the woods and the waves, and in every great adventure yet to come.

Love you to the universe and beyond, Dad.

“I’m off on another adventure!” -Latch

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